Girl’s Night Out Some nights just sparkle—and our evening at Film on the Rocks watching Legally Blonde was one of those unforgettable nights. Mikelle and I, along with our friend Maryann, headed up to Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a little bit of Elle Woods magic under the stars. From the moment we pulled into the […]
Pretty in Pink and Perfectly Included: Mikelle’s Night at Red Rock Read More »
The Lingering Scent of Conflict Conflict smells vague and bitter—like day-old coffee, sulfur before a match ignites, or uncollected trash lingering too long on a sweltering day. It clings to frozen sidewalks on a frosty morning, settling into the cracks of daily life. Left unattended, conflict can shudder a window, shut a door, or close a once-open
Love in the Crossfire: Navigating Valentine’s Day in a Divided World Read More »
Jumpstarting Results For quite some time, I, like many of you, have been searching for ways to improve supported employment outcomes for people with disabilities. While some states lead the way with higher job placements, more hours, and better financial rewards for supported employees, others struggle with what was once a fertile field of opportunities
Employment for All: Cultivating Opportunities for People with Disabilities Read More »
The kitchen table in Mikelle’s cozy condo hosts countless conversations. It’s where the Shining Beautiful team gathers, supporting each other through the chaos and adventures of everyday life. Each day, the table—and sometimes the coffee table—is laden with coffee mugs, a fresh breakfast or a plate of freshly baked chocolate croissants, and the weight of
Conversations Over Coffee: Navigating a Chaotic World Read More »
To AI or Not to AI: that is the question. As with any technology, there are risks and values of technology for all of us. Mikelle and I have been exploring using artificial intelligence in everyday life in low-risk areas. For example, I asked AI a simple question: Can you write a letter to the
When the New Year bell rang, I decided it was time for the Christmas tree to come down. For Mikelle, it was a bittersweet moment. Her month-long party had come to an end. She wore her disappointment stoically as she watched me take down the garland, the twinkling lights she loved, and finally, the treasured
The No New Year’s Resolution Revolution: Embracing Personal Growth Without Pressure Read More »
Thanksgiving is approaching, and families gather around the dinner table, sharing stories and side dishes. It’s also a time to remember those no longer with us, whose influence shaped our lives in positive and challenging ways. Grateful for the fight. The past several months have been challenging for Mikelle and me as we’ve navigated some
It’s Not Perfect. But, we are grateful for it. Read More »
The Employment First Advisory Partnership, which I have been fortunate to be CO-Chair since its legislative inception continues to make progress in raising awareness regarding the employment of people with disabilities in Colorado through our efforts with our agency and local partnerships, which include Colorado APSE, the Division for Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Education, Department
NDEAM-October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month Read More »
Last Year’s Disappointments Don’t Matter this Year. We all hoped it would be a better year for the Denver Broncos, but it wasn’t. Oh well, we all have our building years, right? Mikelle doesn’t really care about last year’s disappointment as long as she can hang out in Bronco’s country with two of her favorite
Mikelle’s Bronco Magic Read More »
Let’s start there. Who needs to be at the table? We have but a few short years to figure this out. Solutions for Consideration: Identify caregivers in Colorado over the age of 55. Send a survey/or have case managers inquire about the status of the items listed below in the succession plan. Find out
Part Two. Checklist for the Pioneer Generation. Read More »
